Turn of the Century Dress

From the seller:

This gown dates to the Victorian turn of the century and is fashioned of a rich golden silk brocade, the gown was originally two piece in construction but the pieces were joined together at the waist, it could be returned to its original form easily. The bodice has a machine stitched net floral lace inserted at the front with a novelty stitched cord trim running around the collar and down either side of the front. Matching trim trims the bottom sleeve which is inserted with lace, giving a large billow beneath the wrist and a full lace bottom cuff. The interior is fully lined in polished cotton with a boned bodice, the interior shows that the pieces are basted together with white stitching. The underarms have a mild staining, one inch of fabric has pulled free from the edge seam at the front right arm seam. The gown is otherwise in excellent condition, fully strong and wearable, and in a harder to find larger size. Measures 28 inches around the waist, 38 inches around the bust, 56 inches in front length, several inches longer in the rear, and the skirting having a velvet bound bottom sweep measuring 180 inches around.

From Me:

Based on the cut of the bodice and the style of the skirt, this is most likely an Edwardian dress, not Victorian. I love that it's a wearable size!

Poss. Natural Form Era Purple Dress

From the seller:
This bustle gown dates to the Victorian 1880’s and is in wonderful princess style, one piece in its construction with its rear in a short flowing train. The gown is fashioned of a grid pattern grape colored wool with matching grape silk taffeta trimming its front and sleeves. Large cuffs are at the bottom of the sleeve with hand stitched ruched ruffling around the neckline and straight down the front with flat wide silk piping trimming down the front skirting, the rear centered in the silk with an asymmetrical cut styling to the rear with an off center swagging bow at one side, opposite having a pointed detailed folded trim. An attached band collar encircles the neckline. All of the buttons are missing from the front enclosure, yellowed faded soiling is seen to each cuff with several large areas of fading seen running predominately around the left side of the gown with a fist sized area scattered with small holes in the staining. The right side has seen fading down the skirt from the waistline to the bottom with a small tear to the silk piping above the bottom hem. Several small holes are in the silk taffeta of the sleeves, wearable if desired, could be repaired with trim to hide the flaws. Measures 30 inches around the bust, 22 inches around the waist, with a rear length measuring 64 inches.

From Me:

Although the seller shows it with a bustle, it looks awkward. The style is right for the late 1870's/ early 1880's, putting it around the Natural Form era.

Edwardian Lace and Sheer Dress

From the seller:
Truly a museum worthy confection! This dress dates to the Edwardian era and is fashioned of layers of very fine ecru bridal net and floral Burato lace with a rich charmeause silk satin widely belting the waistline as well as trimming the skirting on oversized piping. The folds of the skirt fall in large wing panels from the waist, open between the piped areas. The neckline and bottom hem are hand beaded with miniature white seed beading in wonderful florals, Burato lace with a flaming torch pattern is inserted in rounds on center of front and rear and sides of the loose fitted vest style top as well as the bottom skirting and the cuffs. Each insert is wonderfully framed in the seed beading in rich floral detailing. The dress closes in a complex series of hook and eyes and snaps, a chore to close, but once closed the closure is fully invisible giving a seamless effect. There is one eraser sized unseen hole in the bridal net of the hip with one bride break on one sleeve…the condition is PRISTINE…remarkable for such a light and fancy confection of a dress. There is no label seen on inner petersham, its maker is a mystery. Measures 34 inches around the bust, 24 inches around the waist, and 50 inches in its length. Hard to see the full beauty of this piece, strong and wearable, a true days gone by confection!
Vintage clothing is described to its best and sold as found…and described as accurately as possible. The items HAVE NOT been cleaned and should be cleaned prior to wearing at the discretion of the buyer. Often for proper fit, hang, and wear ability, pieces will need to be altered and/or adding a hook or snap here or there, with a seam closure or strengthening needed. Vintage clothing is most often worn previously, and if old stock, often has slight imperfections from storage, a hint of color or odor

From Me:

This is so frothy!

1860's Plaid Dress

From the seller:

This Victorian dress is made of a tan and black plaid material that I think is taffeta. It's slightly short waisted with decorative glass and metal buttons and hook and eye closures. The large sleeves have decorative cord with dangling tassels. From waist to the bottom of the skirt is 43 inches. It's 14 1/2 inches from the back neck to waist, and 17 inches across the shoulders between the sleeve seams. The waist is 22 1/2 inches.

Condition is poor - the material is brittle and splitting in a number of places on the skirt. The skirt has come undone from the top at the back.

From Me:

Now that I've studied this style more, I think it might be late Civil War era or about the mid 1860's

Late Teens Summer Dress

From the seller:
Up for sale is a darling 1920's vintage dress. Label reads: Steinberg's St Louis. Dress is made of lace & silk trim, mesh lining has snap closure, dress has mesh covered buttons down back,measures 34"B, 27"W, 44"H, 43"L and is in great condition - there are a few light spots and some light yellowing underarms - see pics. Please check out other great vintage / please mail w/any questions / payment must be received w/in 7 days of close of auction / no refund unless misrepresented / thanks for looking!!

From Me:

The waistline is all wrong for the 1920's. Instead, I think this is a late teens era dress that may be missing it's underskirt.

Embroidered White Cloak

From the seller:
A lovely design.. with large silk raised embroidered grapes and vines. Fine design and excellent workmanship


Wishing all my customers a very Merry Christmas,Happy Holidays and wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year.


We will be listing some very nice laces, clothing etc. that we purchased in our recent travels.

Thanks as always for looking.


Please also see our "About Me" page for updated information.

From Me:

I'm really not sure *when* this one is from. My guess is going to be late Victorian/Early Edwardian but I can't narrow it down more than that.

Perfect 1880's Valentine's Day Bodice

From the seller:
A beautiful and rare Maison Rouff (House of Rouff) burgundy velvet and pink floral silk evening bodice. The Maison Rouff establishment was at 13 Blvd. Haussmann in Paris. This bodice is an early 1880-1890 example of the fine craftsmanship of this couture house. The front of the bodice has a pleated insert of pink silk that is decorated with dark pink and red rose buds with green leaves. The neckline and front of the bodice are trimmed with lace. The sleeve cuffs are trimmed with silk and lace. The bodice is lined with white silk and has a front hook and eye closure. It is in very good condition. There are no holes and no underarm discoloration. There are a few pencil tip side holes in the silk lining that are barely worth a mention. Maison Rouff garments are rarely seen on the open market and this is a great chance to own one. Bust 32 Waist 24.

From Me:

I think I need this...